Our community

What brought you to yoga?
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in the summer months of 2005 and had gone from feeling like a pretty normal guy to feeling weaker, more uncomfortable and defeated than I had ever thought possible. I wanted to feel better and I was introduced to yoga by a friend of mine sometime around 2008. I was particularly motivated by B.K.S Iyengar. Here’s a guy who was a sick child, a guy who had many ailments and through a dedicated yoga practice regained his health. I feel better and better as I continue to come to yoga 5-7 days a week and who wouldn’t be motivated by this? Who doesn’t wanna feel better?

Favourite posture and why?
I really have to say that I don’t have a specific favorite posture. There are postures that bring into focus where I need to work and those can be very interesting. As well, your body grows and develops in each asana as your practice continues so I enjoy discovering when those changes occur and how I can relate them to, and see if/how they affect other asanas and what changes they bring about in my overall practice.

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MARCH 17-24, 2012

Deepen your practice and contemplate nature’s splendour in Costa Rica. Jeanne Mudie will lead you through a daily practice designed to create space in the body, mind and heart, enabling you to more fully experience the stunning rain forests and wildlife of the Osa Pensinsula.

COST: $1590 (CAD)

Limited to 20 spaces – so book quickly!

INCLUDED

NOT INCLUDED:

• International flight to Costa Rica
• Taxi transfers to and from airports in San Jose (max $25USD)
• Airport exit tax ($26)
• Alcoholic beverages
• All optional off-site activities and tours

Early-bird special!
Book your trip before January 14, 2012 and get a dolphin tour free of charge!

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WHERE

Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula is located in the lowest southwest corner of the country. It’s where you’ll find Corcovado National Park, considered by National Geographic Magazine to be “the most biologically intense place on earth”. This park is home to all four species of monkeys, over 350 species of tropical birds and many other exotic animals.

The resort – Finca Exotica – is a 270-acre beachfront property nestled between the warm Pacific Ocean and the lush rainforest at the foot of the famous Corcovado National Park. There are five cabanas, with private bath, to be shared and seven private tiki tents for those who prefer to sleep on their own. Those who stay in the tiki tents will be sharing an outdoor shower and bathroom located in tropical gardens.

Visit the StepOutExperience YouTube page to learn more about the Osa Peninsula.

FOOD

Finca Exotica serves delicious organic meals and has vegetarian and vegan options. We can even secure the kitchen for those with allergies, including shellfish and peanut. We serve three meals a day (plated, not buffet style) and there are always fruits for snacking.

Inspired by Asian, Mexican, Mediterranean, and Indian influences, the food is prepared with ingredients harvested from the garden daily.

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HOW TO BOOK

STEP 1: Send your name and email address to Jeanne Mudie at mudiejeanne@gmail.com.
STEP 2: Step Out Experience will send you payment information, including how and when to make payments.

• $250 deposit (email transfer, cheque, direct deposit or PayPal)
• Full payment will be due one month before departure
• Payment plan optional

STEP 3: Go bathing suit shopping!

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EXTRAS

Body treatments with Mona Assaf

Mona Assaf is a holistic therapist who specializes in emotional and structural balance, and focuses her practice on helping others lead healthier, happier lives.
You can book to receive one of the following treatments during your one-week stay:

• emotional/ energetic balancing
• postural/ structural bodywork
• Hawaiian or Swedish massage

For more information about these treatments – including cost – or to book an appointment in advance, please contact Mona directly through her website at www.mona-assaf.ca.

Entry #4 – Support study materials for the Tuesday Night Meditation Group at AYM.

Hi Meditation Friends and Yogis,

Last night at Tuesday Night Meditation at AYM, we delved deep into the source of Right Action, the way our mind reacts to sensory events or thoughts.  This morning, I was checking out a friend’s blog and voila! a beautiful quote of Gandhi’s that exemplifies the connection between our thoughts and how they lead to skillful or unskillful actions.

So when we sit down and observe our breath or sensations in meditation practice we are learning to give space and time to the present moment.  Yes thoughts will arise and if we remember our meditation instructions, we will give space and time to observing these thoughts.  In this act of giving space, we are learning to hold back from simply letting our reactions out in word or action without consideration.

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